Monta Vista High School senior Sriya Srinath was essentially chosen to be the voice of more than 10,000 students.

No pressure, right?

But that is the job description for Sriya, who was chosen this year to be the Fremont Union High School District's student board trustee. She representa all five district high schools and is a bridge for students to district decision makers.

"It's one thing really to talk about government and how decisions are made, and seeing it on the television, or talking about it in AP history or a government class, but it's a whole other thing to be a part of it and actually make tangible decisions," says Sriya.

Each year a new student is chosen to represent his or her peers on the board; like her predecessors, Sriya participates in each and every public board meeting alongside elected board members more than double or triple her age. Her role is to provide the voice of the students to a room full of adults.

"I like to talk to people and be friendly, so if I could meet all 10,000 students [in the district], I would," she says. "We were all students at one point, and it is important to get the student perspective that is current."

There are duties galore for Sriya, 17. She is expected to make reports and presentations to the board, provide updates on activities at each school, relay and publicize board decisions back to peers, talk with fellow students, network with other student leaders, and serve on such district committees as the wellness and guidance services committees.

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"As we discuss new programs and the status of existing programs, it's great to have feedback from a student who knows their school and is connected to students at the other district schools. The student board member helps provide a reality check," says Jeff Moe, an elected board trustee in his first term.

Sriya votes on issues as well.

"One thing that drew me to this is that people can actually get tangible change and see improvement on campus. This was a way I could help facilitate that," she says.

The first few meetings can be a little intimidating, Sriya says. There is plenty of catch-up about district issues and learning the intricacies of bond measure projects, construction and where money goes in the district.

"At first it was a little overwhelming, because there really is a lot going on and a lot of information and in order to make an informed decision, I had to do a lot of research, and that is the most overwhelming aspect," she says.

Sriya has literally been adding a student voice to her reports at each meeting. She speaks with a representative from each school and relays testimony about what is going on at each campus.

"One thing I wanted to focus on this year was a student perspective and about what is happening at the school. Are there changes and how students feel about their changes?" she says.

Her work so far has impressed her elected fellow trustees, particularly lately with giving the board information about places students can go on campus in times of emotional need.

"Sriya is off to an outstanding start as our board member for 2013-14," says Bill Wilson, a board member serving his second term. "Sriya has also provided excellent insights for our efforts to make sure that students feel comfortable reaching out to a counselor or other adult at school when they or a friend requires support and guidance."

Wilson adds that Sriya has helped student groups do research and present information to the board to help gain approval to raise money to help others in the community and around the world.

Only one student trustee is selected each year after a lengthy interview and application process.

"I would certainly encourage students to consider this position as past student board members have consistently reported that the experience was very valuable," Wilson says. "It would be useful to talk to an administrator who can give them more details about what the position entails so that the student can be sure it is a good fit with what they want to do."

Moe adds that students would be wise to connect with other schools through the Intra-District Council, sports activities and other district-wide events as a way to learn more about other schools and begin formulating ideas on how elected board members can make district improvements.

An Associated Student Body officer, Sriya is also a member of Monta Vista's leadership program and Link Crew, a support system that helps freshmen acclimate to high school life. Sriya is also into her fourth year on the speech and debate team and has been serving as a captain since her sophomore year.

Outside of school, Sriya used to coach soccer often and has been learning the Indian classical dance form called Bharatanatyam and teaching at a dance school.